"The key moment of the Yankees' 7-3 victory over Toronto Friday perhaps came when Joe Girardi went to the mound in the fifth inning to take the ball from struggling rookie Ivan Nova and give it to surging lefty Boone Logan. Nova, impressive in his first two starts, labored, "a little off," Girardi said, sinking into deep counts against the Blue Jays' sluggers.

So Girardi brought in Logan to face lefty Lyle Overbay, the Jays' No. 5 hitter, with two out and two runners on and the Yanks' lead down to two runs. Logan, who has held lefties to a .175 average this season, struck out Overbay on a 2-2 pitch.

It was just another instance of the Yankee pen, remarkably hot since late July, playing a vital role in a victory. Considering there are no guarantees in the Yankee rotation this side of CC Sabathia, the relievers' run almost certainly must continue for the Yanks to defend their World Series title or even make a deep run in the postseason.

Andy Pettitte's groin injury makes him no sure thing, even though he is progressing, and one competent start by A.J. Burnett is not enough to declare him cured, either. Javy Vazquez has earned a return to the starting staff, but he's endured a yo-yo of a year, too. Because of all the rotation uncertainty, perhaps Phil Hughes, long thought to be a lock for the postseason bullpen, remains in the rotation after September."